Elephant refills, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Elephants! The largest living mammal walking this earth. An exciting an anxious moment when surrounded by these gentle giants. A heart raising moment for anyone.
Inquisitive Nature off elephants, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
With sheer strength and power, my experiences with elephants have always been inquisitive,
Calm giant, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
watchful with acceptance.
Social display by elephants, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Elephants are extremely social within their group, which contains a few females and offspring. Once the male bulls are old enough, they become loners or join other male bulls in a small group.
Trunk action by elephants, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
An elephants trunk is their multi tool used for anything possible.
Crossing the track coming out of nowhere in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Numerous times I have surprised them by driving through dense bushland, or they surprised me coming out of nowhere. For an animal this size, they disguise extremely well.
Leaving elephant tracks behind, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
There are numerous smaller herds in South Luangwa National Park, up to 10 elephants per group.
The water of life in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Often seen near water during the hotter period of the day,
Junior’s drinking technique in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
quenching an elephant sized thirst.
Shady tree in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
They do like to stay in the shade under trees as well.
Tree or elephant patch? South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Some trees give more shade than others.
Typical river scenes in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Elephants cover long distances each day to satisfy their enormous hunger. Often crossing rivers, outside the National Park’s jurisdiction.
Happy elephant family in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Consisting of one to two juniors per herd, these are extremely joyful to watch.
Large and small trunk, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Mostly accompanied by an adult, these youngsters often roamed freely and playfully.
Youngsters lunch in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Always under mom’s watchful eye. I could, and have sat for hours in the car watching them just munching on some not so juicy branches. A family member was never far off.
Imposing gestures by junior, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Particularly cute is when junior set his ear straight and looks right at you.
Kicking up the dust, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Or just kicking up the dirt.
Grey giant in black and white, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
There really is something magical about these gentle grey giants.
A curious mind, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Black and white photos work very well
Black and white face with shadows, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
when the sun casts some shadows over body or face.
Colossal interactions, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Play fights are an important lesson for life ahead.
This elephant bull is up to something, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Reading an elephant’s body language is very important. It was obvious that this short tailed young bull was looking for a partner to trunk wrestle.
First warnings, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Although he picked on a much smaller bull,
More serious action, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
mom was quick to intervene.
Push and shove in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Others seemed a bit more serious like these two.
Trunk wrestling in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Pushing and shoving with their trunks locked up, this was an even match. A memorable moment to watch.
Simply gorgeous, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
I have taken hundreds of elephant photos already. If they keep posing in front of my lens, I will take a hundred more.
Travels with Ben 